Chapter 236 A Father's Betrayal
I pull out my phone and dial the police. I should've done it first thing before I tromped through a fucking crime scene like an angry rhino.
"911, what's your emergency?" a female voice came from the other end. She's way too calm for me right now. I know they are trained to be calm in emergencies, but right now I'm ready to set the world on fire.
"My girlfriend has been kidnapped! I need help!" I rush out, running my fingers through my hair, trying to calm my racing mind. It didn't help. "Please! Send someone to help me look for her!"
"What's your location?" She asked way too calmly for my state of mind. I wanted to yell at her to hurry up, but I knew that wasn't going to get me anywhere. I needed her help!
After giving the address, the operator assured me help was on the way. I didn't sigh in relief. I wouldn't until my girl was back in my arms, safe and sound. But at least I had assurance that she was going to be found soon... I hope.
So, when the door slammed open, I'd assumed it was the cops. And it was... sort of.
I rushed out of her room to meet them and skid to a stop. For a moment, my mind can't even comprehend what the hell is going on right now. And then I fucking explode.
"Dad? What are you doing here?" I demand, having a sinking feeling. There is no way in hell this is a coincidence. First, Melissa lures me away from Charlie. Then she's kidnapped, and now my own fucking father is right here before me.
He looks pissed as hell too. Well, he's nowhere near as pissed off as I am.
He should not be here. He should be back at Echo Ridge Pass. This is way beyond his jurisdiction. He's not in his uniform, which means he's here on personal business. Not that I'm surprised.
His face was red with fury. "Trent, you need to leave this alone, son," he growled. "Just go back to your dorm and go back to your life. I told you before that girl wasn't good enough for you! She'll just slow you down!" he states like it's a foregone conclusion.
What the fuck is he talking about? I guess Dad doesn't know me at all. Does he really think he can talk to me like a fucking child? Does he actually think I'd listen to him?
"No! You need to leave or I'm going to have you locked away for aiding and abetting!" I snarl back, stepping forward and crowding him. I want my father to know I'm not scared of him, nor do I care about his opinions right now. "I'm saving my girlfriend and I don't give a shit whether you want me to or not!"
"Trent, you need to stay out of this! You have no idea what's going on!" he screams at me. "It has nothing to do with you! I've told you to stay away from the Turner girl! You've got plenty of others to choose from. Why the hell do you need her?"
"I love her. And I'm going to marry her. Either help me get her back or leave!" I state. "I don't even care which you choose right now!"
Just then the actual police show up. Four cops look around the apartment, looking from me to Dad for information.
"What's going on in here?" The first one of them demands. The name on his uniform reads Brooks.
"Nothing!" Dad states quickly. "There's been a mistake. My son lied!"
"IT'S NOT FUCKING NOTHING! IN FACT, I KNOW MORE THAN YOU THINK!" I snarl.
I look right at the officers, "Listen. My dad is involved in some sort of trafficking ring. He was supposed to let my girlfriend get kidnapped and keep it away from authorities. I know he was involved in her parent's murder; I even have proof! But right now, Charlie is missing! Go check the bedroom!" I demand.
My dad looks right at me like he's seeing me for the first time. I can see shock, fear and guilt in his eyes. "How did you..." he can't seem to finish his question.
One of the officers, one by the name of Woods, comes up to my father and looks him in the eye. "Do you have anything to do with this? Is your son telling the truth?" he demands.
But Dad just clenches his jaw and looks away. That must've been enough for Officer Woods.
"Fine. Sir, you are under arrest for obstruction of justice," he states and started reading him his rights as he cuffs him and pulls my father away.
Another officer comes back with the syringe in a plastic bag. He looks at me with professionalism in his eyes. "We'll get right on this, and when we have something, we'll let you know."
"Can I come?" I ask, not wanting to wait in the lonely apartment without Charlie. Everything in here just makes me think of her, and the empty ache in my heart now that she's missing.
He gives me an assessing look, then nods his head. "You can come. You might be waiting for a while," he admits.
"That's fine. I can't stay here. Not without her," I mumble, looking at the too quiet apartment. Only an hour ago, I'd held her in my arms and felt her shatter. And now I don't know where she is!
"I understand. Follow us," he says, then marches out the door.
I don't wait around. I rush down to my car and follow them to the station.